Scam · low risk · 2026
Taxi scam: 'No Change' — Round-Up Demand
Driver claims he has no change (bozuk para) and keeps your full bill.
How it works
Fare is 180 TL. You hand 200 TL. Driver shrugs, 'bozuğum yok' — keeps full 200. Repeats for next passenger.
Where it happens
Anywhere, especially short rides.
Red flags
- Driver doesn't reach for wallet
- Big shrug at the bill
What to do — during
Carry small bills (10/20/50/100 TL). Ask 'Bozuğunuz var mı?' before handing over a large note. If no change, ask to stop at a corner shop to make change.
What to do — after
Hard to report a one-off ~20 TL difference — but adds up to millions across the city.
Emergency contacts
112 Emergency
Single Turkish emergency line. English available.
Tourism Police
+90 (212) 527-4503 · Sultanahmet
IBB Beyaz Masa
153 · IBB taxi complaint hotline
Full police contacts
FAQ
Source: istanbul-tourist-information.com